Unattended Children Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to inform parents/guardians that the Library does not assume responsibility for their children and to provide the guidelines used by staff in the event that a child is left unattended in the library Levels of supervision required:

• Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by a parent/guardian or other responsible caregiver age 14 or older at all times while in the library. The Parent/guardian or caregiver must remain in the library. Staff does not monitor the arrival and departure of any child from a program or the building. 
• Children 12 and older may be left unattended, providing they are mature enough to follow library rules and observe proper conduct. Such children are subject to the same rules of behavior as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the library.
• Children of any age with mental, physical or emotional disabilities which affect decisionmaking skills or render supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent /guardian at all times.

Procedures

• If a child under the age of 12 is found unattended in the library, every effort should be made to locate a parent/guardian within the building.
• If the child can provide information, library staff will attempt to locate the parent using a phone number provided by the child, or by checking borrower records or phone books for information. o If the parent/guardian cannot be located, but the child expects to be picked up within an hour, the child can remain in the library. The parent will be informed of our policy on unattended children upon picking up the child. o If the parent/guardian fails to retrieve the child, or is not expected within an hour, the Lewiston Police will be called.
• If no parent/guardian can be found and the child can provide no information as to the identity or whereabouts (a parent’s name, phone number, where they are, when they are returning etc.) the Lewiston Police will be called.

Adopted by: Lewiston Public Library Board of Trustees November 1, 2010